Ali Ramsay of Victoria, BC, won the $86,000 CSI2* Grand Prix, presented by HEP, Aviva Insurance, and Edge Mutual Insurance, riding Hermelien VD Hooghoeve on Sunday, September 24, at the CSI2* Canadian Show Jumping Tournament in Caledon, ON. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Ali Ramsay is presented as the winner of the Caledon Cup trophy, presented by RAM Equestrian, by Bob Northcott (right) and Ross Millar following her win in the $86,000 CSI2* Grand Prix at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Caledon, ON. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Isabelle Lapierre of Breakeyville, QC, was the runner-up riding Cescha M in the $86,000 CSI2* Grand Prix held Sunday, September 24, at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Caledon, ON. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Caledon, Ontario – Ali Ramsay of Victoria, BC, won the $86,000 Grand Prix and claimed the coveted Caledon Cup on Sunday, September 24, at the CSI2* Canadian Show Jumping Tournament at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Caledon, ON.

Site of equestrian events for the 2015 Pan American Games, the Caledon Equestrian Park was hosting its fourth and final week of International Equestrian Federation (FEI) sanctioned competition for the 2017 season. A total of 30 competitors took on the challenge set by course designer Oscar Soberon of Mexico and when 13 pairs successfully negotiated the first-round track, the heat was on for the jump-off.

Ten-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar, 70, of Perth, ON, was the first rider to post a clear round in the jump-off, guiding Vittorio 8, a nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Valentino DDH x Ramiro’s Bube) owned by Future Adventures, home in a conservative time of 45.76 seconds.

Erynn Ballard, 37, of Tottenham, ON, quickly improved on Millar’s time, stopping the clock in 45.31 to move into the lead with Royale du Rouet, a 12-year-old selle francais stallion (Nouveaute du Rouet x Kannan) owned by Jake Krembil.

Her time would be eclipsed by the next rider in the ring, 38-year-old Isabelle Lapierre of Breakeyville, QC, who had the crowd cheering as she raced through the finish line in a time of 41.47, shaving almost four seconds off Ballard’s time to overtake top spot. Lapierre’s partner was the game ten-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Diamant de Semilly x Calando IV) owned by Ecuries de la Chaudiere.

The lead changed hands yet again when Ramsay made a daring move on course, cutting inside to a liverpool with Hermelien VD Hooghoeve, her ten-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, instead of taking the right-hand roll-back. The move paid off, as the scoreboard reflected the new leading time of 40.76 seconds.

Five more riders would attempt to catch Ramsay’s time, although none dared to try her inside turn. Amy Millar, 40, of Perth, ON, was the only rider to break the 40-second barrier, but a rail down with her 2016 Rio Olympic mount, Heros, left the pair in fifth place with a time of 38.04 seconds.

Ramsay claimed the first Grand Prix victory of her career, followed by Lapierre, Ballard, and Ian and Amy Millar making up the top five. Surprisingly, the daring move that earned her the win was not part of her original jump-off strategy.

“Honestly, I don’t think I could have done it that well if I had planned it!” said Ramsay of the inside turn riding Hermelien VD Hooghoeve, her partner of three years. “She drifts so far right and when we landed inside, I saw it, and she just went for it with me.”

Of facing off against 12 other competitors in the jump-off, Ramsay noted, “I did not expect that many clear but, given the company we are in, it made sense. It was intimidating being in a field like that with all of the Millars and the other experienced riders, but I had a good feeling about today. Normally, I peak early; whenever I win a class it’s been a Thursday or a Welcome class. When I was fourth on Friday night, I thought that maybe I was building it up right this time!”

In fact, her double-clear effort for a fourth-place finish in Friday night’s $35,000 CSI2* Caledon Cup – Phase Two, combined with her victory in the $86,000 CSI2* Grand Prix, which acted as Phase Three of the Caledon Cup, gave Ramsay a total of 33 points in the Caledon Cup standings over Ian Millar who earned 32 points paired with Dixson.

“That was a bit of a surprise!” said Ramsay of hoisting the Caledon Cup. “I didn’t really think about it because everyone else had been so consistent. When we were all lined up waiting for them to announce who the winner was, I started to think that maybe it was a possibility. When I heard my name, it was a nice surprise.”

Ramsay was quick to credit her trainer, 2008 Canadian Olympian team silver medalist Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, with her success, saying, “Jill is amazing. She works just as hard as I do with my horses, maybe harder somethings, and I owe a lot of it to her.”

In addition to claiming the victory, Ramsay also won the $1,000 Henry Equestrian Plan (HEP) Rider Bonus, presented to the highest-placed competitor sporting the HEP saddle pad presented to all FEI competitors during the FEI horse inspection. In another special presentation held prior to the start of the $86,000 CSI2* Grand Prix, Alexanne Thibault of Boucherville, QC, was recognized as the recipient of the McKee-Pownall FEI Groom Appreciation Award. Selected during the FEI horse inspection, Thibault, who competed in all three phases of the Caledon Cup riding Chacco Prime, has the unique distinction of being her own groom.

Craig Collins of Equestrian Management Group (EMG) spoke to the success of this year’s CSI2* Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, saying, “It was a great week with great turn-out, and a great field of competitors with lots of good horses and riders. We had a huge crowd on Friday night in the indoor arena and when the times kept getting faster and faster in the jump-off, the crowd was going crazy! It was a lot of fun. And although it was a hot week we are fortunate that, due to the legacy of hosting the Pan American Games, we were able to provide misting fans and other amenities to take top-care of the horses.

“It was great that the Town of Caledon was so well-represented and the Mayor, His Worship Allan Thompson, did an exceptional job judging our 17 leadline entries,” continued Collins. “We were also proud and appreciative to have so many of our sponsors present, and I would like to acknowledge all of the partners that support the Caledon Equestrian Park, not just this week, but on an ongoing basis throughout the season. Also, as this is our last big tournament of the year, I would like to recognize the EMG team who, once again, did a magnificent job. As far as I’m concerned, we have the best crew anywhere in North America.”

For more information on the Caledon Equestrian Park, including full competition results from the 2017 season, please visit www.caledonequestrianpark.com.

$86,000 CSI2* Caledon Cup – Phase Three

Presented by HEP, Aviva Insurance, and Edge Mutual Insurance

Sunday, September 24

RiderHometownHorseFaultsTime

1. Ali Ramsay Victoria, BC Hermelien VD Hooghoeve 0:0 40.76

2. Isabelle Lapierre Breakeyville, QC Cescha M 0:0 41.47

3. Erynn Ballard Tottenham, ON Royale du Rouet 0:0 45.31

4. Ian Millar Perth, ON Vittorio 8 0:0 45.76

5. Amy Millar Perth, ON Heros 0:4 38.04

6. Francois Lamontagne St. Eustache, QC Chanel du Calvaire 0:4 42.78

7. Kelly Soleau-Millar United States Itty Bitty 0:4 43.35

8. Nicole Walker Aurora, ON Excellent B 0:4 45.39

9. Hyde Moffatt Brantford, ON Granturo 0:4 45.41

10. Beth Underhill Schomberg, ON Count Me In 0:8 41.35

11. Jordan Macpherson Toronto, ON Aanwinst 0:8 45.18

12. Hugh Graham Schomberg, ON Knock Out 3E 0:8 46.12

13. Shannon Clifford United States Riesling de Milvrault 0:eliminated

]]>Help Brooke USA Reach Their Goal for Hurricane Reliefhttp://horsebackmagazine.com/hb/archives/62988
Mon, 25 Sep 2017 04:28:45 +0000http://horsebackmagazine.com/hb/?p=62988Read more →]]>Lexington, Ky. – Sept. 22, 2017 – This summer, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma left countless equine victims in their wakes. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the equestrian community, to date Brooke USA has raised more than $33,000 to help those animals through the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund.

Though Brooke USA’s mission is to improve the welfare of horses, donkeys and mules in the developing world, the scope of devastation by the natural disasters in Florida and Texas inspired Brooke USA to help make a difference in the United States this time.

This horse merely represents the equine victims of the hurricanes.

After Hurricane Harvey, Brooke USA reached their fundraising goal of $25,000 as a match for donations to the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund, then turned their attention to help the victims of Irma, with an on-going fundraising campaign.

Though the initial effects of the hurricanes have passed, there are still many equines needing assistance in the weeks following the storms. There is an urgent need for hay and feed, potable water, vet supplies, veterinary care, fencing and portable stalls. The damage to buildings and infrastructure meanwhile may take years to repair. All of the donations given to Brooke USA under this campaign will be used to benefit Irma’s equine victims through the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund.

Canadaâ€™s Eric Lamaze and Chacco Kid led the Hamburg Diamonds to victory and also topped the leaderboard individually in the â‚¬155,000 Global Champions League team event held September 22 and 23 in Rome, Italy. Photo by Stefano Grasso for Global Champions LeagueHarrie Smolders and Eric Lamaze of the Hamburg Diamonds are presented as the winners of the Global Champions League team event in Rome, Italy. Photo by Stefano Grasso for Global Champions League

Rome, Italy – Canada’s Eric Lamaze led the Hamburg Diamonds to victory and also claimed individual honours riding Chacco Kid in the €155,000 Global Champions League team event held September 22 and 23 in Rome, Italy.

Lamaze and his team, the Hamburg Diamonds, were at the top of the leaderboard coming into Rome, which acted as the penultimate competition prior to the Global Champions League Final in Doha, Qatar, from November 9 to 11. Held over two days, Lamaze and teammate, Harrie Smolders of The Netherlands riding Don VHP Z, both incurred four faults in Friday’s opening round of competition. Coming back for Saturday’s second round, both riders produced clear efforts to give the Hamburg Diamonds the overall win and increase its lead in the Global Champions League standings to 295 points over Valkenswaard United with 278 points.

Individually, Lamaze and Chacco Kid produced the fastest clear round to top the leaderboard, with their time of 68.61 seconds holding off 2012 Olympic team gold medalist Scott Brash of Great Britain riding Hello Forever, who stopped the clock in 69.40 seconds. Roger-Yves Bost of France took third individually with a time of 71.55 seconds riding Pegase du Murier.

“It was a great win for the Hamburg Diamonds, and the win for Chacco Kid was exciting!” said Lamaze, who won individual gold and team silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with Hickstead, followed by an individual bronze with Fine Lady 5 at the 2016 Rio Olympics. “What he accomplished shows great maturity. Last year, he was an inexperienced horse. Now, coming here from the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ tournament, he was ready to go full speed over a 1.60m course against the best horses and riders in the world.

“It was a great win for the Chacco Kid Group!” continued Lamaze, 49, of the horse’s owners, namely himself, Andy and Carlene Ziegler, Rick and Sara Mershad, and Carol and Ludi Sollak. “He is a horse that had to fill in for Fine Lady last year in order for her to get to the Rio Olympics in top form, and he ended up doing a few things that maybe weren’t ideal for a young horse, like the Nations’ Cup in Aachen, but he managed. Last year, I would not run him in any classes as I wanted to give him the best experience that I could but, this year, he is ready to take some risks and compete against the best.”

Saturday’s Global Champions League team competition also acted as the first round of the €300,000 CSI5* Longines Global Champions Tour Rome Grand Prix. With his win aboard Chacco Kid, Lamaze had the advantage of going last in the Grand Prix. As the format allows riders to switch horses, Lamaze saddled up Coco Bongo, but a rail late on course left the pair in 11th place in the final standings. On Friday, Lamaze and Coco Bongo, a 12-year-old Rheinlander gelding (Caretino x Calido) owned by Andy and Carlene Ziegler’s Artisan Farms LLC and Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stable, had jumped double clear for a top ten placing in the €25,000 Two Phase 1.45m competition.

“Coco Bongo jumped really well in the grand prix, just a cheap four faults at the end of a huge course,” said Lamaze of his 2015 Pan American Games team gold medal partner. “He feels really good heading into the Nations’ Cup Final in Barcelona. I am looking forward to that!”

Lamaze’s next stop is CSIO5* Barcelona, Spain, where the Longines FEI Nations’ Cup Final will begin on Thursday, September 28. Joining Lamaze in representing the Canadian Show Jumping Team will be Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, Tiffany Foster of North Vancouver, BC, and Chris Pratt, currently based in Valencia, California.

]]>71st Buffalo International Horse Show Concludes with Final Championships and Special Awardshttp://horsebackmagazine.com/hb/archives/62979
Tue, 19 Sep 2017 06:58:38 +0000http://horsebackmagazine.com/hb/?p=62979Read more →]]>

Buffalo, N.Y. – Sept. 18, 2017 – The 2017 Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) concluded on Sunday and crowned numerous champions in the hunter and jumper divisions. It was another great year of showing for both exhibitors and spectators at the 71st annual historic event, which benefits the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC).

In the $500 “Say Hey” Children’s Hunter Classic, Jessica Lewis and her own Injoy Z claimed the first place prize. Just behind Lewis, Eliza Gurney riding Jennifer Gurney’s Gianni took home second place and Sadie Rutkowski with Marguerite Heberle’s Scandal took third place.

Emma Walters and Crisp – Photo by Jess Windhurst Photography

Linnea Garrison and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s Copyright clinched the win in the $500 Johnson Horse Transportation Silver Stirrup Classic. Mary Trincanati rode the BTRC’s Abundance into second place and Julie Ciferni with Christine Hannon’s Cherry Blossom finished in third place.

The Junior 3’3″ Hunter division culminated on Sunday with Emma Walters clinching the championship aboard the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s Crisp after taking home two more blue ribbons in the final over fences rounds on Sunday. The reserve championship went to Jenna Drago and Sandriano, owned by Peter Pletcher.

Emma Kurtz and Enticement – Photo by Jess Windhurst Photography

Following competition on Sunday, Emma Kurtz was named the Best Junior and Child Rider with Rebekah Warren’s Enticement. The talented pair were also named the Grand Champion Junior Hunter for the 2017 BIHS. SBS Farms, Inc.’s Stardust was awarded the Roses Are Red Grand Hunter Challenge Trophy with rider Jennifer Alfano.

Gianni, owned by Jennifer Gurney and ridden by Eliza Gurney, claimed the championship in the Children’s Hunter Horse 14 and Under division. Benjamin Hoban rode Lydia Ulrich’s Dallas to the reserve championship. In the Children’s Hunter Horse 15-17 Years, Jessica Lewis rode her own Injoy Z to the championship title, and Olivia Cortese rode her own Coldplay to the reserve championship.

Lewis and her own Injoy Z were named the overall grand champion in the Children’s Hunter division, while Girl Crush, owned by Susan Kimberly and ridden by Alfano, was awarded the Courier Express Trophy.

In the Pony Hunter division, Abundance, owned by the BTRC, took home the championship win with rider Mary Trincanati. Cherry Blossom, owned by Christine Hannon and ridden by Julie Ciferni, claimed the reserve championship in the division.

Aaron Donnan and After Joe – Photo by Jess Windhurst Photography

In the Pre-Adult 2’6″ Hunter division, Trincanati rode the BTRC’s Abundance to another championship win. Ciferni and Cherry Blossom took home the reserve championship just behind the pair. Molly Gfroerer and the BTRC’s Churchill were named champion in the Pre-Children’s 2’6″ Hunter division, with Francesca Olivo and Maggie Welland’s Selina named reserve champion.

After Joe and Real Super Quick, both owned by Charity Donnan and ridden by Aaron Donnan, were presented with the Grand Champion Jumper Ford Roy Trophy to wrap-up competition at the 71st annual Buffalo International Horse Show.

The BIHS is the most prominent fundraiser of the year for the BTRC.

The BIHS is an AA rated hunter/jumper show and offers excellent preparation for horses and riders who will be competing at indoor finals this fall as the facility features one of the largest indoor riding arenas in the nation. Whether you attend this year’s BIHS as preparation for the fall indoor circuit and zone finals or to cheer on your friends and family, the BTRC welcomes you to their home and wishes all exhibitors a fun and successful show!

WHAT: The prestigious Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) is an AA rated hunter/jumper show and is one of the best ways for exhibitors to prepare themselves and their horses for the fall indoor circuit. The horse show also offers generous prize money in every division and is sanctioned and recognized by US Equestrian, Syracuse PHA, Ohio PHA and the WPPHA. The BIHS is designated a ‘Heritage’ competition by US Equestrian, reserved for horse shows in existence for 25 years or more that have promoted and grown equestrian sport and made contributions to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.

“I’m eager to build upon Rood and Riddle’s tradition of excellence. I hope to contribute to Rood and Riddle’s promise of providing expertise for our patients in South Florida in a caring, professional, and ethical manner,” said Dr. Walbornn.

“I’m eager to build upon Rood and Riddle’s tradition of excellence. I hope to contribute to Rood and Riddle’s promise of providing expertise for our patients in South Florida in a caring, professional, and ethical manner,” said Dr. Walbornn.

Dr. Stephanie Walbornn, DVM, DACT

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Wellington will be providing a variety of advanced reproductive services to include but not limited to, embryo flushing, oocyte harvest, mare and stallion breeding soundness evaluations, and semen collection for insemination.

Dr. Walbornn was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and moved to South Florida when she was six years old. She grew up riding in both hunter and jumper disciplines. She attended the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine and obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. After graduation, Dr. Walbornn completed an internship at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala in Florida. She went on to complete a residency in Equine Reproduction at Texas A&M University and became a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists in 2017.
Dr. Walbornn enjoys all facets of equine reproduction and is excited to be joining the distinguished team of veterinarians at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.

“We are excited to add Dr. Walbornn to the full time staff at our Wellington facility. As we have been developing our practice in South Florida, it has been obvious that a board certified veterinarian specializing in equine reproduction was needed.” said Dr. Scott Pierce, DVM, managing partner of the Wellington facility. “Dr. Walbornn’s credentials are impressive and we are glad to have her.”

To learn more about Rood and Riddle in Wellington and their complete list of services, click here.

About Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital

Rood & Riddle began as an ambulatory practice in Lexington, Kentucky in 1982 and established a full-service equine hospital in 1986. Today the practice is known and respected throughout the world for innovative and highly skilled treatment of horses. Rood and Riddle continues their tradition of excellence into the twenty first century serving as a referral center for horses requiring specialized medical and surgical care and providing ambulatory care for all breeds and disciplines. With the original hospital in Lexington, Kentucky and satellite hospitals in Saratoga Springs, New York and Wellington, Florida, Rood & Riddle maintains an unwavering commitment to quality, both in the care of horses and in our relationships with clients and the community.

Texas 4-H and FFA members who qualified for the junior market barrow, lamb and goat, poultry, and steer auctions received an additional premium generated from the bonus pools of each respective auction, in addition to the guaranteed amount the exhibitor already received during the 2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

“Through the tremendous generosity of our donors and the hard work of our volunteer committees, the success of our junior livestock auctions in March allows us to further reward the commitment of our exhibitors,” said Joel Cowley, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo president and CEO. “By encouraging and rewarding the participation of students from across our great state, our support of the youth livestock program allows students to learn about agriculture while acquiring valuable life skills that will serve them well into the future, regardless of their eventual vocation.”

Based on placing, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo establishes a guaranteed minimum payment for each exhibitor who qualifies for a junior market auction. The Rodeo also sets a cap amount above the guaranteed minimum for each auction lot. When bidding exceeds the cap amount, the additional funds go into the Rodeo’s Educational Fund to be used for scholarship and grant recipients. Amounts bid between the guaranteed minimum and the cap are accumulated in the bonus pool for that auction and are then distributed through additional premium checks in September.

The following additional premiums were distributed to each exhibitor who qualified for the respective auctions:

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ promotes agriculture by providing a family-friendly live entertainment experience that educates the public, supports Texas youth, and showcases Western heritage. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2018 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 18.

]]>Devin Ryan Carves Name into American Gold Cup History with $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping New York CSI4*-W Winhttp://horsebackmagazine.com/hb/archives/62969
Mon, 18 Sep 2017 04:57:04 +0000http://horsebackmagazine.com/hb/?p=62969Read more →]]>

Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue

North Salem, N.Y. – Sept. 17, 2017 – The 2017 American Gold Cup at Old Salem Farm came to an end on Sunday as some of the world’s top international show jumping athletes competed for the coveted American Gold Cup trophy in the $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York CSI4*-W. The United States claimed the top prize for the second year in a row as Devin Ryan secured the victory aboard the 8-year-old gelding, Eddie Blue.

The top 39 athletes from Friday’s $86,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier CSI4*-W, presented by Windsor Show Stables, came forward to compete on the Grand Prix Field in Sunday’s grand finale over two challenging tracks designed by Alan Wade and Nigel Jess.

The large first round course utilized the field’s natural slopes and hills to test athletes over a series of 14 obstacles, where a majority of faults were collected through the Longines triple combination (oxer-oxer-vertical).

Five combinations advanced to the jump-off after producing clear efforts in the first round.

Brianne Goutal (USA) kicked off the tie breaking round with Remarkable Farms LLC’s Nice De Prissey. The pair won the 2013 American Gold Cup together but concluded Sunday’s competition on 4 faults in 40.12 seconds, which would garner them fourth place.

Canada’s Mario Deslauriers and Bardolina, owned by Wishing Well Farm, LLC, experienced an unfortunate parting of ways at the third element of the eight-fence jump-off, resulting in an elimination. Both horse and athlete received a round of applause for their efforts after immediately getting back on their feet and reuniting.

Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue – Photo by The Book LLC

Just coming off their recent win in the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament’s $75,000 Agero Grand Prix at the end of August, Ryan and Eddie Blue, owned by LL Show Jumpers, LLC, claimed the first clear performance of the jump-off. They blazed around the short course in 37.75 seconds, knowing world number three ranked show jumping rider and New York native McLain Ward (USA) would be following him in the order-of-go.

McLain Ward and HH Callas

Ward and HH Callas, owned by Double H Farm, took their turn on the Grand Prix Field next, also finishing clear but one second behind Ryan in 38.34 seconds. Jack Towell and Evergate Stables LLC’s Lucifer V were the final challengers of Sunday’s main event. They posted the fastest 4-fault effort in 39.51 seconds for third place, while Ward took home second place honors.

Jack Towell and Lucifer V

The American Gold Cup is one of only seven events that comprise the East Coast division of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League. Top equestrian athletes compete in the league at events all across North America in order to qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final to be held in Paris, France, April 10-15, 2018.

Prior to Sunday’s grand prix, the M. Michael Meller Style of Riding Award was presented to the USA’s Heather Caristo-Williams, who exhibited an outstanding combination of horsemanship, skill and presentation while competing at the 2017 American Gold Cup. In addition, Sandra Ruiz received the Old Salem Farm Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, which was created by Old Salem Farm head trainer Frank Madden as a way to recognize members of the U.S. hunter/jumper community for their selfless contributions to the sport they love.

Re-live all of the action from Sunday’s grand prix at the American Gold Cup with NBC Sports Network’s broadcast of the $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York CSI4*-W on Friday, Sept. 22, at 11 p.m.

On Eddie Blue:“I have a great horse and I knew it was a great field out there. I was probably the least experienced of all those riders in the jump-off. I’ve been watching them all season trying to learn from them. I just went out there today and rode my plan. Eddie is a great horse. I’ve had him since he was 4 years old and I’ve known since he was 5 years old that he would be able to jump all the big classes. He’s a very brave horse and a field like this suits him. He has a lot of stride and scope so there is time to organize him. Because the field fit the horse, I thought this was a great place to step him up.”

On qualifying for the 2018 World Cup Finals in Paris:“That’s my plan. I went up to Bromont and it didn’t quite work out the way I wanted it to and I didn’t get any points. I came here for step two and then I go to Washington and Kentucky so we’ll see what happens. After that I will have a better idea. It takes a few more points than today to make it to World Cup [Finals].”

On his plan for Eddie Blue:“This horse has no experience indoors. I am going to take him to Washington and Kentucky as a second horse just to get his feet wet indoors and see how he does and how he reacts to that atmosphere. If he reacts great at Washington, which is a much smaller ring, we might use him in Kentucky. We’ll just have to see. My goal was to get one World Cup class out of him at an open venue.”

McLain Ward – Second place

On finishing second on Sunday:“My father won this class 31 years ago, which I am very aware of. I have been trying to win this class for a long time and I’ve been second a lot, but it eludes me. I was thrilled with the mare today. She has been really good. She was third at the Hampton Classic. Devin is a very fast rider. He’s always going forward and the horse has a very big stride. I knew I couldn’t do the same numbers so I knew it had to be a very good round to win. In hindsight, you see an inch here or an inch there but you also risk having a jump down. I did the best round I thought I could do but [Devin] was a little better today. That’s the sport and hopefully I can get this win before I retire.”

On HH Callas:“I’ve had her since February. She’s a pretty temperamental mare so it’s taken me a little while to figure her out, but I think she is getting more consistent. The last few weeks we’ve had a lot of clear rounds and some great performances at Spruce Meadows. We still have a ways to go before we are as consistent as we’d like to be, but for sure we are on the right path and I am very pleased with her.”

On the American Gold Cup:“Thank you to Michael [Morrissey] and everyone here at Old Salem Farm. We all love the American Gold Cup and it’s had many different forms. I think it has found its way home here. This is my hometown and I am very proud to have this event here.”

Jack Towell – Third place

On finishing third on Sunday:“I was disappointed with myself. My horse jumped very well and I should have taken more of a shot. I was too slow, and if I didn’t have the rail I still would have been too slow. I think I should have left out in the first two lines. It wasn’t my horse’s fault, I just wasn’t on it from the start.”

Alan Wade – Course designer

On the results from Sunday’s class:“I was very happy. It’s a tricky enough field. There are a lot of slopes and undulations and the grass is very fragile at times. We wanted a fresh track for every round and every jump-off. I would like to thank my crew and my assistants. They worked very hard all week and I think we saw very good sport today.”

Michael Morrissey – American Gold Cup event manager

On the 2017 American Gold Cup:“I think it was a beautiful event. The caliber of competition was way up there. Old Salem Farm is such a beautiful venue, and the team I have behind me is second to none in the country.”

Preceding Sunday’s $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York CSI4*-W, the Grand Prix Field kicked off with the $25,000 SJHOF High Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic where 16-year-old Brian Moggre of Flower Mound, Texas, and Condero 3 took home top honors and the championship tricolor. The 12-year-old gelding, owned by DDM Equestrian, LLC, was the only horse to jump double-clear and produced the fastest jump-off time against six other horse-and-rider combinations. Katie Tyler rode her own Shet Du Thot to second place in the classic, while Madison Goetzmann and her own Prestigious finished in third place.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Brian Moggre – $25,000 SJHOF High Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic winner

Brian Moggre and Condero 3

On Condero 3:“I rode [Condero 3] a little bit this winter and started riding him more before Devon. We were fourth in the classic there and he’s won a few grand prix events throughout the year. We took him to Upperville and won the High classic there and were team gold at [the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships]. I love him so much; he’s perfect.”

On Sunday’s peformances:“I was very, very nervous. I really trust my horse and knew he would do well. I was really hoping for the champion ribbon because he has been great this week. I wanted to go in and give my horse a good round. The course looked technical enough and was big. I walked it a few times to make sure everything looked and felt right. Once I started warming up I knew he was ready to go. I had to decide to do him or my other horse and I am really happy I decided to do him.”

On his plan for the jump-off:“I was in it to win it. He has such a big step and he’s so good about just marching up there and clearing the jumps. The rest of the course I just needed to be tidy and quick. I knew there was no room for a breath or someone else would just slip right in.”

– The Old Salem Farm Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sandra Ruiz during the American Gold Cup CSI 4*-W on Sunday, September 17, at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY.

The Old Salem Farm Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award was created by Old Salem Farm trainer Frank Madden as a way to recognize members of the U.S. hunter/jumper community for their selfless contributions to the sport they love. As a member of the hunter/jumper community who has dedicated herself to the betterment of horse sport, Ruiz was presented with the 2017 Old Salem Farm Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award before the $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York CSI 4*-W at Old Salem Farm.

“It means everything to me to win an award like this,” said Ruiz, who is co-owner of the hunter, jumper, and equitation barn, Sanmar Farm in Culpeper, VA. “It is so prestigious, and it is amazing because it is for something that I love doing. It is very humbling, but very exciting, and impossible to put into words.”

Ruiz was born in Puerto Rico and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Psychology. She began riding at age 14 and has trained under greats such as Carl Knee, Frances Rowe, and Hugh Wiley. Ruiz came to the U.S. in 1970 and rode on the Puerto Rican team in the Pan American Games in 1979 and again in 1993 in the Central American Games. Ruiz has been Chef d’Equipe for Zone 3 Young Riders teams since 2009 and was awarded the Caristo Cup in 2010. In 2015, Ruiz was inducted into the Virginia Horse Show Association Hall of Fame.

“There are so many deserving people in this sport, and I am honored that someone thought I deserved this award,” said Ruiz. “I love getting up in the morning and doing what I do. To me, it is a way of life. I don’t have to do it; I want to do it because it is my passion and what I love.”

“Ruiz is a perfect example of what the Old Salem Farm Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award represents,” said Madden. “She has dedicated herself to making horse sport in the U.S. the best it can be, and it is an honor to recognize her efforts.”

The Old Salem Farm Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually at the American Gold Cup. Nominations for the 2018 award may be submitted in the form of a letter or video outlining the nominee’s achievements and contributions to horse sport. Letter or video submissions should include contact information for the nominee and be sent to Chelsea Dwinell via e-mail at chelsead@oldsalemfarm.net.

Stay informed on the upcoming happenings at Old Salem Farm at www.oldsalemfarm.net. Follow Old Salem Farm on Facebook, as well as on Twitter and Instagram as @oldsalemfarmny, for an exclusive and behind-the-scenes look at the Old Salem Farm experience.

Devon, PA – September 17, 2017 – Sunday marked the fourth and final day of competition in the Dixon Oval at the 2017 Devon Fall Classic, offering jumper riders one final chance at the blue ribbon and the prize money. With every class acting as the Zone 2 Horse of the Year Jumper Championship, qualified horses and riders had an added incentive to strive for the lead spot in the victory gallop. With the fences at their highest holes of the day, Susan Decone and DeLucia claimed the $3,000 High Adult Amateur Jumper win, while Julianna Empie and Baroness De La Luz navigated their way to the head of the leaderboard in the $3,000 High Children’s Jumpers. Virginia Doebler and En-Esben had reason to celebrate as the leading pair in the $1,500 Low Adult Amateur Jumpers, and so too did Skylar McKenna and Venturesome, the victorious pair in the $1,500 Low Children’s Jumpers.

Susan Decone and DeLucia

One of the largest classes of the day, the $3,000 High Adult Amateur Jumpers brought a substantial field of qualifiers to the ring, and with plenty of talent to go around, a quick and careful ride in the first phase was imperative for a chance to earn a respectable place in the standings. With an even 10 in the jump-off, a top placing was not guaranteed simply by keeping all the rails up. Barbara Rochford and Laura Chapot’s Chili Pepper were first back in the ring, and they took advantage of their status by riding to a clear jump-off trip in a quick 35.968 seconds, setting a high standard for the following competitors.

With two mounts in the jump-off, Hope Batchelor, DVM took to the ring with her first to ride in the final round, and she and her own Orlando managed to clear the course in the faster time of 34.584 seconds to take the lead. Decone and DeLucia, owned by Portsmouth Farm, LLC, entered the ring midway through the order of go, and ultimately separated themselves from the pack by nearly one and a half seconds in the jump-off, riding to a double clean and clear trip in 33.161 seconds to command an impressive lead.

Susan Decone and DeLucia

Three subsequent competitors tried their hands at the jump-off track, but fell victim to dropped rails or slow times. With one final shot to claim the lead, Dr. Batchelor continued her swift riding in the irons aboard her second mount, Ciola, as the last to go, but the pair could not contend with the leading time, crossing the timers a few seconds too slow in 37.499 seconds, solidifying Decone and DeLucia as the $3,000 High Adult Amateur Jumper class winners. Dr. Batchelor and Orlando’s time held as the second-best of the class to earn them the reserve spot, and Darian Smith with the ride on his own Aymar De La Rose managed to leapfrog Rochford and Chili Pepper to claim third position with their time of 35.917 seconds.

Julianna Empie and Baroness De La Luz

In the $3,000 High Children’s Jumpers, Julianna Empie and her own Baroness De La Luz emerged as the clear leaders with the only double clean and clear ride of the class. Of the field of horses and riders, only three pairs managed to keep all the rails up in the first go-around, making for a small jump-off. As the first to return for their second trip, Alexis DiPasqua and Reba Dean, owned by Steven DiPasqua, did not have the advantage of watching how the course rode, and ended up dropping a rail to end on a 4-fault score. The second to go with only one qualifier to ride after, Empie made the decision to ride a slightly more conservative round in an attempt to keep all the rails up and take the lead, which she managed brilliantly aboard Baroness De La Luz, sweeping through the shortened track in 35.984 seconds.

Owner-rider Luke Sassi and Casco Junior now had to keep all the rails up for a shot at the majority stake of the pot, and it appeared that they were going to surpass Empie and Baroness De La Luz until the back rail of the final oxer came down. Sassi had time on his side, breaking the beam in 35.667 seconds just barely ahead of the early leader, but the 4 faults against him would push him to second position overall. DiPasqua and Reba Dean finished in third position with their jump-off time of 36.128 seconds. All told, the three horse-and-rider combos made for a very consistent jump-off, with all three times separated by only half of a second.

Julianna Empie and Baroness De La Luz

Earlier in the morning in the $1,500 Low Adult Amateur Jumpers, Doebler and her own En-Esben bested a field of nearly 30 contenders to claim the champion spot after a competitive 13-horse jump-off. One of the first to ride, Stephanie Montero-Beita and her own Black Lake Sabina set a quick standard for the jump-off with another clear round in a time of 31.231 seconds. The lead changed hands soon enough though, as Dr. Batchelor and her own Carolina Z improved upon Montero-Beita and her mount’s time by nearly two seconds, crossing the timers in 29.549 seconds. In an impressive display of riding, Doebler and En-Esben managed to cut another second off of the leading time, navigating course designer Paul Jewell’s track fault-free in 28.540 seconds to claim the lead with only a handful of competitors left to ride.

As the final pair to jump off, Lindsey Brown and Shannondale Presto, owned by North Ridge Farms, LLC, were the last entrants with a shot at usurping the leaders, and though they came very close with a quick double clear ride, they crossed the timers a hair too slow in 28.716 seconds, only tenths of a second off the winning pace. With their time Brown and Shannondale Presto claimed the second position behind Doebler and En-Esben, and Batchelor and Carolina Z retained the third place status.

Virginia Doebler and En-Esben

In the $1,500 Low Children’s Jumpers, a large field of young riders vied for the championship honors, but a series of unfortunate knockdowns in the first round put many pairs out of contention, with only six duos qualifying for a spot in the jump-off. As the first to go, Grace Bendl and her own Vodette rode to the early lead, leaving all the fences intact and crossing the finish line in 31.300 seconds, but their lead would not hold long, as owner-rider Caroline Blank and Visionary soon surpassed them with their quicker clean time of 30.676 seconds. Three more riders tackled the course in an attempt to take the lead, but two accumulated faults against them and one tripped the timer too slowly.

McKenna and Venturesome, owned by Dorothy Matz, saved the best for last, riding a smooth jump-off trip to top the field with a double clear effort in a time of 29.617 seconds, edging out Blank and Visionary’s time of 30.676 seconds. Blank and Venturesome finished the day in the reserve position, followed by Bendl and Vodette in third place.

Skylar McKenna and Venturesome

Three more horses and riders added an accolade to their names throughout the day, riding to the top of the leaderboard in their respective classes. Robert Matz and Quinta, owned by Dorothy Matz, rode the only clean and clear trip in 68.025 seconds to sweep the $5,000 Low Junior Jumpers, with the $5,000 Low Amateur-Owner Jumper victory claimed by Erika Christie and her own Fantastique, who rode to a quick jump-off time of 29.122 seconds. The ever-speedy pony riders navigated their mounts around the track for a shot at the $1,500 purse in the Pony Jumpers, with owner-rider Alice Nolen-Walston and Wishlea Star Dasher tripping the timers quicker than the rest of the pack in a fast 27.523 seconds to nab the victory.

Sunday’s competition concluded the 2017 Devon Fall Classic, with plenty of champions crowned throughout four days of jumping. The week may be over, but horses and riders can look forward to next year’s 2018 spring and fall shows to be held at the famed Devon Showgrounds.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Susan Decone – $3,000 High Adult Amateur Jumper champion

On DeLucia:

“I purchased her when she was turning 6 years old and she is 12 [years old] now and we have done almost everything together during that time. As a typical mare you can’t tell her anything, but she gets out there and really does try hard for me. I love that she has her own engine.”

On showing at the Devon Fall Classic:

“I really like the one ring here at the Fall Classic. Most of the other shows we attend throughout the year are crazy with seven or eight rings showing all at once, so it is really refreshing to come here and be able to have a relaxed yet competitive environment.”

Julianna Empie – $3,000 High Children’s Jumper champion

On winning the High Children’s Jumper Championship:

“I feel awesome! [Baroness De La Luze] was amazing and she helped me out so much on course. I am really happy with how she went today.”

On her plan for the jump-off:

“Going into the jump-off, since there were only a couple double clears, I wanted to be fast but also consistent. I decided to ride a little more conservative because the girl ahead of me in the jump-off had the rail. I didn’t want to be too crazy but I also didn’t want to leave the door too far open for whoever was coming in the ring after me. [Baroness De La Luz] is very quick and small, so I know that I can take tighter turns and it isn’t a big deal for her.”

On her relationship with and plans for Baroness De La Luz:

“I have had her since she was 3 years old and she is 6 years old now, so still young. We know each other really well. She is going to get a big break now, since she is only 6-years-old and she has had such a great year, I think that she deserves some down time. Next year, I hope to compete in the Junior divisions. I think she has more scope and I am looking forward to moving up with her.”

Virginia Doebler – $1,500 Low Adult Amateur Jumper champion

On her horse, En-Esben:

“Ben is 8 years old and I just got him in March of 2017 and he is my horse of a lifetime! My trainers, Rick and Cindy McGrath, found him through a friend and he has been my horse of a lifetime. I had really bad fall and I was out for three weeks and I wasn’t looking for a horse when Ben came in, seemingly from heaven. He does everything I ask him and more and we are a really good team.”

On her plan on course:

“My plan was to sit up as tall as McLain Ward and just ride the jumps one at a time and do our best!”

On Showing at Devon:

“I started riding later in life, as an adult, and I always thought that Devon was the pinnacle, that there was nothing better than being able to show in the Dixon Oval. It is surreal to be able to win here.”

Skylar McKenna – $1,500 Low Children’s Jumper champion

On her reaction to winning:

“I feel pretty good, I feel grateful [to have won]. This is my first jumper show and also my first show on this horse. The jumpers are fun. I was given a really good opportunity to ride him, and I just took up on it.”

On Venturesome:

“The horse needed to get out because he is going to be sold, so I got the ride on him. He’s so fun and gives you a really good feeling around the course.”

On her plan for the jump-off:

“I just wanted to make sure not to waste too much time but also to give a good strong ride so that we could keep all the rails up.”

Buffalo, N.Y. – Sept. 17, 2017 – Saturday at the 71st annual Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) was packed full of exciting competition for all ages. Numerous classes led up to the day’s highlight event, the $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Hunter derby competition kicked off on Saturday evening, where SBS Farms, Inc.’s own Jennifer Alfano and Stardust claimed the victory. Alfano continued to impress the judges to take home second place in the class with Kathy Chiaf’s Silver Lining, while Jennifer Gurney rode her own Gianni to a third place finish.

Emma Kurtz and Rebekah Warren’s Enticement took home the blue in the $1,000 Up The Creek Farm Junior 3’3″/3’6″ Hunter Classic earlier in the day on Saturday. Emma Walters and Crisp, owned by the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC), finished in second place and Jenna Drago and Peter Pletcher’s Sandriano finished third in the class.

The competitive Junior 3’3″ Hunter division also kicked off on Saturday with Walters claiming first place with Alex Trolli’s Del Piero and second place with Crisp in the first over fences class. The talented young rider stayed consistent in the second round of over fences competition, taking home the blue with Crisp and second place with Del Piero, setting herself up nicely to earn the championship with either of her two mounts on Sunday.

In the $500 “Shogun” Adult Amateur Hunter Classic, Clare Karlovec and her own Milord Du Valon came away with the win. Nora Frisch and Kaitlyn Kurtz’s Palm Beach finished just behind the pair in second place, and Stephanie Brennan on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s Manolo rounded out the top three.

In the jumper ring, Jessica Mundie rode her own Camalii to a win in the $2,500 S.A. Comunale NAL Children’s/Adult 1.15m Jumper Classic. Aaron Donnan rode Charity Donnan’s Real Super Quick into second place, and Emma Seving took third place with her own Quidam’s Zeus Z.

Donnan also rode Charity Donnan’s After Joe into first place in the $1,500 S.A. Comunale Low Children’s/Adult 1.0m Jumper Classic. Shauna Pingrey and her own Fabrianna DR finished in second place, and Sherri Terhaar and her own Dukato finished in third place. For his consistent top performances over the course of Friday and Saturday, Donnan was awarded the championship in the Children’s/Adult 1.0m-1.15m Jumper division at the BIHS with Real Super Quick on Saturday. Reserve champion honors went to Jessica Mundie and Camalii.

Other champions crowned on Saturday included Clare Karlovec and Milord Du Valon in the Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter division, Christine Steer and Marvelous in the Adult Amateur 36 and Over Hunter division and Santa Maspane and Kennedy in the Low 3′ Hunter division.

Stay tuned for the results from the final day of competition at the BIHS on Sunday, Sept. 17. Highlights will include the $500 Children’s Pony Hunter Classic, the $500 “Say Hey” Children’s Hunter Classic and the $500 Johnson Horse Transportation Silver Stirrup Classic.

The BIHS is the most prominent fundraiser of the year for the BTRC.

The BIHS is an AA rated hunter/jumper show and offers excellent preparation for horses and riders who will be competing at indoor finals this fall as the facility features one of the largest indoor riding arenas in the nation. Whether you attend this year’s BIHS as preparation for the fall indoor circuit and zone finals or to cheer on your friends and family, the BTRC welcomes you to their home and wishes all exhibitors a fun and successful show!

WHAT: The prestigious Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) is an AA rated hunter/jumper show and is one of the best ways for exhibitors to prepare themselves and their horses for the fall indoor circuit. The horse show also offers generous prize money in every division and is sanctioned and recognized by US Equestrian, Syracuse PHA, Ohio PHA and the WPPHA. The BIHS is designated a ‘Heritage’ competition by US Equestrian, reserved for horse shows in existence for 25 years or more that have promoted and grown equestrian sport and made contributions to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.

ADMISSION: Admission to the horse show is FREE, with the exception of Friday and Saturday evenings after 5 p.m. Admission will be $5 per person and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center.

PARKING: Parking is available on Amherst Street or behind the property on Great Arrow Drive. On the weekends, parking is available in the Tapestry Charter School parking lot.

FACILITY: The Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club was built in 1922 as an indoor polo arena. Today it is known as the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and features one of the largest indoor riding arenas in the nation. Located in the heart of metropolitan Buffalo, New York, it is now the home of the Buffalo Equestrian Center and SBS Farms, Inc. The five-acre site includes the indoor 120 x 90 riding arena, stables, paddocks and an outdoor riding ring. The spectacular barn offers permanent stalls for all horse show participants.